Support Dhyana's Upcoming Surgery and Healing Journey

Dhyana's Healing Journey: Support for Surgery & Recovery

HER STORY

On October 10, 2023—her late brother John's birthday—Dhyana received news that changed everything. A tumor she first noticed in 2020 had grown. The biopsy revealed it as a malignant neoplasm of uncertain potential in her left submandibular gland, with a 50% chance of being cancerous.

Despite a family history of cancer and a deep trust in holistic healing, Dhyana chose to dedicate herself to non-invasive healing methods, she is very strong and has faith in her body. She's lived a health-conscious life for over 20 years, but this diagnosis called her to deepen those practices even further. Dhyana added many methods into her life that were extremely helpful, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, detoxes, Joe DisPenza (Divine Healings), AO scans, Scalar Waves, Red light therapy, Ionic foot baths and a lot of very helpful supplements, including calcium bentonite clay. Teas were boosted on a daily basis she even did coffee detox/enemas regularly. She spent thousands of dollars last year putting herself in a bit of debt. These methods as we know are not supported by big pharma, and THEY DO WORK (in dhyana’s words)….. despite these methods the tumor stayed nestled and stubborn. Her practices kept it at bay and it continued to change shape etc.

Dhyana is blessed to have an amazing network of people she has created over the past couple of decades, in which 95% of their lives revolve around spiritual, holistic and health-conscious methods. So there were a lot of supportive people offering new methods and/or people whom have helped her in many other ways.

In January 2025, she consulted with a respected functional medicine doctor in Southeast Florida who specializes in oriental medicine. His assessment confirmed what she worked so hard for—her body showed zero inflammation and registered as five years younger than her actual age. Yet he still strongly recommended surgery to remove the tumor. His reasonings were what changed her mind to go through with this surgery.

This recommendation carried particular weight because functional medicine practitioners don't typically turn to surgery as a first option. His concern centered on the tumor's location in the salivary gland, where any malignancy could potentially spread through her saliva and create more serious complications.

Her community she has built here in Florida has been a blessing. Please help us help our friend, daughter, aunt and sister!

In Gratitude and Service,

Andrea (Sista from another Mista)

Blair (soul yogi sister)

Mother and Father (Diane and John Houghtaling)

Alison (Jinkins-Niece)

Nicole (Niece)

Kathleen Curley (soul mamma)

Why I Need Support Now (Dhyana’s words)

After much reflection, I've made the difficult decision to undergo surgery next week April 23, 2025 at the University of Miami, Sylvester Center. However, I've just been informed that I need thousands of dollars upfront to proceed—likely my insurance deductible—plus additional expenses for any procedures that might be necessary during the operation, such as biopsies. My insurance will not cover all the hospital expenses which are incurred during the surgery. Between the expenses and the loss of work, I am looking at $15,000+. I will do my best to work with them.

As someone who is self-employed, this surgery also means lost income during my recovery period. As a yoga teacher, group therapist, breathwork facilitator, and certified mindfulness meditation teacher who supports marginalized people struggling with mental health challenges and addiction(s), my work is my passion and my livelihood.

The Deeper Meaning

Those familiar with yoga philosophy understand the significance of this tumor's location in my throat—the seat of the Vishuddha (throat) chakra, which governs personal expression, truth, and communication. This placement feels deeply symbolic of my journey.

For years, I struggled to fully speak about the sexual trauma I experienced in my early teen years from a police officer—someone who represented the law and had close connections to my family. Out of fear of hurting others, I held back from sharing the full truth and holding people accountable. Instead, I carried the blame myself, allowing my voice to be silenced to not cause anyone else pain.

After overcoming addiction and working through significant traumas, I've dedicated my life to healing—both myself and others. I believe this tumor represents my final challenge to fully claim my voice and speak my complete truth without fear of the consequences or how it might affect others. My late brother JOHN told me to do this long ago…. He is with me!

This surgery feels like both a physical necessity and a spiritual milestone in reclaiming my power and my voice. The physical healing parallels my emotional and spiritual journey toward authentic self-expression.

A Step in Vulnerability

Creating this GoFundMe has been one of my greater challenges. For years, I've been the one supporting others in many ways on and off the mat, and through their struggles with addiction, trauma, encouraging vulnerability as a pathway to healing. I've guided countless individuals to face their fears, shame, and guilt in order to transform their lives.

Now I find myself needing to practice what I teach in a profound way. For the past year, friends and family have encouraged me to reach out for support, knowing how much I give to others. Taking this step to ask for help publicly represents another significant milestone in my own healing journey.

Through my own vulnerability in facing addiction and trauma, I've experienced major mental, spiritual, and physical transformations that have reawakened my true self. This current challenge with my health feels like another opportunity to embrace vulnerability and allow others to support me as I've supported them….. AND I am currently back in school to obtain my Masters in Social Work in hopes of becoming a licensed therapist.

How Your Support Helps

Your contribution will directly fund:

- The upfront hospital deposit required next week plus balance of copay.

- Additional medical expenses that may arise during surgery/Hospital Fees

- Basic living expenses while I'm unable to work during recovery (approximately 2-3 weeks)

As a self-employed professional, I don't have paid time off or disability benefits to cover this unexpected medical situation. Every dollar contributed helps ensure I can focus on healing without the added stress of financial hardship.

Any amount you can offer will make a meaningful difference. Whether you can contribute financially, share this campaign, or simply hold me in your thoughts, I am profoundly grateful.

With deepest gratitude,

Dhyana